VinopolPick Thursday

January 29, 2015

Shea Wine Cellars, Domaine du Colombier, Kapcsandy Family Winery, Oddero, Sottimano

Shea Wine Cellars

Shea Vineyard was planted in the late 1980s, and was one of the first planted in Yamhill County. After selling their grapes for ten years, owners Dick and Deirdre Shea began producing wines from about 25% of their vineyard’s total production. Today it is a 200 acre property with about 135 acres planted to Pinot Noir and 5 to Chardonnay. The vineyard is sedimentary soil above fractured sandstone. Shea Vineyard was recognized by the USDA’s Conservation Security Program for being one of the top vineyards in the Yamhill Basin for conservation and environmental management.

Shea Wine Cellars Wines Arriving February 6th

Shea Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2012 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Winery note “An excellent wine for food pairing, our chardonnay is full of stone fruit aromas of ripe peach and nectarine coupled with fresh notes of vanilla. Vibrant acidity frames layers of ripe fruit leading to a concentrated, long finish you’ll keep coming back to.”

Shea Wine Cellars Estate Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($41.95) $36.60 special
Winery note “A blend of all the best Shea Vineyard has to offer. This wine has raspberry, dark cherry, plum and rose aromatics. On the palate the wine displays savory notes of clove, cinnamon, black tea and carob. It is luscious and broad, highlighted by fine-grained tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a long, mouth-watering finish.”

Shea Wine Cellars West Hill Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note “Our West Hill release is made from a blend of Wädenswil, Dijon 777, Dijon 114 and Pommard clone fruit, all sourced from different blocks on Shea Vineyard’s West Hill. The beautiful aromatics draw you in with whiffs of blueberry, red currant and raspberry. The palate surprises with concentration, silky tannins and a great finish.”

Shea Wine Cellars Block 7 Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note “Made from Wädenswil clone Pinot noir, Block 7’s aromatics are classic Shea Wädenswil: blue fruited and floral with warm spice notes. The lush, savory blue fruit continues on the palate with hints of allspice and black currant. Tannins are structured and the wine is beautifully balanced. We find Block 7, in particular, responds well to cellaring.”

Shea Wine Cellars Block 5 Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note “Made from Dijon clone 777, Block 5 is very expressive aromatically in the plum, raspberry, blueberry and violet spectrum. The palate is mouth-coating with impressive length and concentration. Tannins are fine-grained and silky.”

Shea Wine Cellars Homer Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Winery note “Our “best barrel blend”, Homer displays all the best of the vintage: rich, complex aromatics of blackberry, cassis, cocoa and coffee, a concentrated palate of dark juicy fruits and a succulent finish that goes on and on. This is a dark, brooding beauty.”
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Domaine du Colombier

“Domaine du Colombier is one of the most underrated estates in the Northern Rhone. Proprietor Viale merits more attention from wine writers, critics, bloggers, etc. given the quality of wines he is producing. Moreover, this is one of the few family-owned domaines producing Hermitage, not to mention their splendid Crozes-Hermitage. The values from Colombier are Viale’s cuvees of Crozes-Hermitage, both of which are stunning.” — Robert Parker

Florent Viale is the third generation to work his family’s estate. He owns 13 hectares of parcels in some of the best sites in Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage including 1.5 hectares from the Beaumes vineyard on the hill of Hermitage (the vines there average 50 years old). Until 1992, his family sold their harvest to negociants such as Guigal. Today, all of the family’s production is bottled under their own label. Florent and his brother David produce three reds, two cuvées of Crozes-Hermitage and one Hermitage. Florent prefers 600 liter barriques and uses some new oak on the Cuvee Gaby and the Hermitage. The wines are expressive of fruit and spicy with balance and structure.

Domaine du Colombier Wines Arriving Today

Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Gaby 2012 750ML ($37.95) $26.60 special, 3+ cases available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The top Crozes cuvee is the 2012 Crozes Hermitage Cuvee Gaby, with is 100% Syrah that’s aged all in a combination of new and used barrels. It’s a fantastic Syrah that offers a classic, elegant and medium to full-bodied profile to go with notions of peppery herbs, olive tapenade and assorted currant-like fruit. Possessing beautiful purity, fine tannin and a no shortage of texture, drink this knockout effort over the coming 8-10 years.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is 24% higher at $32.99!
Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage 2012 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 3 cases available
Wine Advocate 89 points “A classic Northern Rhone Syrah, the 2012 Crozes Hermitage has lots of saddle leather, dried flowers and sweet red and black fruit-like qualities on the nose. Medium-bodied, supple, forward and even a little sexy, drink this beauty over the coming 4-5 years.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine du Colombier Available Here Now

Domaine du Colombier Hermitage Rouge2009 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “There is not much of it, but the 2009 Hermitage is sensational. Abundant aromas of blackberry fruit, white chocolate, espresso roast and acacia flowers jump from the glass of this opulent, full-bodied, powerful Hermitage. With great intensity as well as silky tannins, this chewy, thick, well-endowed wine should evolve for 20-25+ years.”RP

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $79.99.
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Kapcsandy Family Winery

Lou Kapcsandy has quite the self-made success story, involving a focused vision, perseverance and a lifelong passion for wine. After fleeing his homeland days after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Kapcscandy came to America and eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. A former Hungarian National Soccer team player, he was drafted to the U.S Army knowing only a few English words, played a bit of professional football with the AFL San Diego Chargers before beginning his working career in chemical engineering, and is now proprietor to a highly acclaimed Napa vineyard and winery, along with his wife Roberta.

His vision was rooted from a visit to Bordeaux at the centuries-old estate Leoville Las Cases in St. Julien. From that moment, he and Roberta set off to be vineyard owners themselves and in 2000, purchased the former Beringer Estate State Lane vineyard property. Upon taking ownership of the vineyard, the family conducted extensive soil and microclimate tests, discovering in the process how extraordinary the vineyard site actually was. In 2002, the entire vineyard was replanted to 5 blocks of Merlot, 7 blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1 block each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, utilizing specific rootstocks and varietal clones to optimize the terroir. The vineyard is now 16-acres, planted with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

In Lou’s words, “We are trying to resurrect the nobility of the Merlot grape. We conducted comprehensive investigations of soils profile, physical properties, soils chemistry, geological formation and drainage. To our amazement and pleasure, we discovered a unique vineyard with multiple micro-geological conditions.” Denis Malbec , former winemaker of the famous Chateau Latour works as the consulting winemaker, helping Kapcscandy make modern Cabernets with an old world finesse, leading the charge towards producing legendary wines with lower alcohols and a nod to the wines of decades past.

Kapcscandy’s grape growing philosophy involves cultivating with passion and a singular vision, involving meticulous hedging and maintenance with continuity in the way the vines are planted, cared for and harvested. Vines are planted 4-5 times more densely than is typical for Napa Valley, showing similarities with the plantings of 1st Growth Bordeaux’s. This higher density spacing creates smaller berries with higher skin-to-juice ratios and induces natural stressing of the vines without artificial human intervention, resulting in a higher intensity of flavors, complexities and aromas.

This is a great opportunity to experience a more Old World approach to Napa Valley fruit from a small, family owned and operated winery, produced from 100% estate fruit. These wines are full of harmony and balance, avoiding the all too often heavily extracted Cabernet based wines coming from this part of California. An honorable example of passion and care both in the vineyard and cellar, the quality of these wines are a testimony to this dedication.

Kapcsandy Family Winery Wines Available Here Now

Kapcsandy Family Winery Grand Vin Rose 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 92 points “The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2010 Grand Vin Rose is naturally a more structured, powerful wine than the Roberta’s. Far from an easygoing Rose, the 2010 is going to need at least another 6-12 months in bottle. It is a powerful, imposing wine that will pair beautifully with a wide range of foods. Crushed flowers, mint and anise are all layered into the precise, striking finish. The 2010 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot that spent 18 months in neutral French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 1.5L ($899.95) $599 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin opens with the most beguiling bouquet imaginable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon and licorice all make an appearance as this vivid, beautifully delineated wine opens up in the glass. A model of total finesse and elegance, the 2009 wraps around the palate with what feels like endless layers of aromas and flavors. This totally seamless, polished Cabernet Sauvignon is virtually impossible to resist today, but it will be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2039. Kapcsandy’s 2009s have developed beautifully over the last year.” WA

Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 100 points “The bottled 2012s are all performing brilliantly. It was a large, but not excessive crop with a consistently warm growing season that never suffered the heat spikes Napa often experiences. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is the greatest example of this cuvée since the 2007. Bottled without fining or filtration, this blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot tips the scales at 14.1% natural alcohol. There are 320 cases. The Kapcsandys have hit the bull’s eye with this beauty. A stunning set of aromatics consisting of white chocolate, blackcurrant liqueur, cedarwood, graphite, incense and melted licorice is followed by a beautifully integrated, seamless, full-bodied classic. With terrific fruit purity, a touch of spice, and a voluptuously textured, super-pure, extravagant mouthfeel, this well-balanced 2012 can be drunk young because of the stylistic precociousness of this vintage or cellared for two decades.” RP

Kapcsandy Family Winery Endre 2009 1.5L ($279.95) $159 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2009 Endre is a major step up in quality from the 2008 I tasted alongside it. The wine reveals lovely fleshiness and depth in its dark fruit, tobacco and spices. I especially like the way the Endre fleshes out on the finish. The 2009 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.” WA

Kapcsandy Family Winery Rapszodia, Yountville 2010 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 96+ points “The 2010 Rapszodia Proprietary Blend is a new wine composed of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Like many proprietors, Lou Kapcsandy is increasingly convinced of the potential of Cabernet Franc. Sumptuous, elegant and beautifully proportioned, the 2010 caresses the palate from start to finish. Mocha, chocolate, cloves and new leather are all woven together in a seamless fabric of remarkable elegance. Obviously still a baby, the 2010 will require patience, but it is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. This is a superb first effort. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery Rapszodia, Yountville 2012 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2012 Rapszodia (only the third vintage of this cuvée) is composed of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. The Kapcsandy family considers this to be their Yountville version of the famous St.-Emilion, Château Cheval Blanc. Coming in at a modest 13.4% natural alcohol and aged 20 months in 100% new French oak, there are only 135 cases of this beauty. This is the kind of wine that showcases just how great Cabernet Franc can be in Napa Valley. It builds incrementally on the palate, offering beautiful aromas of mulberries, boysenberries, forest floor and spring flowers. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure and open-knit, this seductive, complex 2012 can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.” RP

Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve 2008 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 99 points “The 2008 Robertas Reserve State Lane Vineyard is virtually perfect. This offering is just as strong as the 2007, but slightly more forward and irresistible than the backward 2007. It boasts a dense inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with cocoa, forest floor, graphite and subtle hints of smoke as well as camphor. The wine reveals fresh acids, laser-like precision and an extraordinary plump, fleshy mouthfeel. Already approachable, it should evolve for 20-25 years.” RP

Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve 2012 750ML ($549.95) $479 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 99 points “The 2012 Roberta’s Reserve (100% Merlot aged 20 months in 100% new French oak). It is a bigger wine with 14.5% alcohol. It comes from a block of 10-year-old vines planted in heavy clay soils. Stunning aromatics include notes of mocha, chocolate fudge, black cherries and berry fruit intertwine with hints of incense, burning embers and charcoal. This full-bodied, opulent, lavishly rich, voluptuously textured Merlot is about as great as Napa Merlot can be. Enjoy it over the next 15-20 years.” RP
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:

We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25

These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason. Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Oddero Barolo and Barbaresco
Arriving Tomorrow, January 30th

Nestled in the Langhe hills of Santa Maria, overlooking a sea of vines, the Oddero family were among the first Barolisti to be both growers and producers. Working the vineyards since 1725, Oddero is recognized among some of the best and most historic wines in the region. Giacomo Oddero, Barolo patriarch and a man whose fame reaches beyond the Langhe, built his estate on a single wine, modestly named “Barolo,” even though its components came from some of Barolo’s most iconic vineyards.

The estate is now in the hands of Mariacristina and Mariavittoria, Giacomo’s daughters, and the current wines continue to back up the family’s stellar reputation. Since taking over from their father in 1997, the sisters have been observing the vineyards carefully and, along with moving toward organic farming, have changed small details, improving conditions both in the vines and in the cellar. The quality level is routinely excellent and has been steadily improving for the past decade.

With all the wines produced from only family-owned vineyards, the Oddero estate consists of some of the most revered vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco. Oddero produces as many as six different examples of Barolo and Barbaresco per year, including several cru bottlings, the Villero and Rocche di Castiglione from Castiglione Falletto among the most celebrated, are offered today below. Mariacristina and Mariavittoria dedicate their full attention to the winemaking process, blending ancient wisdom and modern production techniques with the patience required to produce quality wines every vintage. With the 2010 Barolos, the Odderos feel they are finally achieving the results they want, and we will certainly not disagree, especially when their 2010 Barolo is placed in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2014!

Arriving Tomorrow, January 30th

Oddero Barbaresco Gallina 2010 750ML ($59.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2010 Barbaresco Gallina shows a browning rim at the perimeter and delivers gamey tones of worn leather, old spice, cedar, dried fruit and black currant. There’s a bright touch of dried apricot or lemon peel at the back. The wine is softly measured and smooth in the mouth with long tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018.”

Oddero Barolo 2010 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points Top 100 of 2014 #39 “Lushly textured, this red cuts a rich swath of spicy plum and cherry flavors, with accents of leather and tobacco, until the beefy tannins corral all the elements on the finish. Balanced on the tannic side, this should find equilibrium with time. Best from 2018 through 2033.”

Oddero Barolo Brunate 2010 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate & Wine Spectator 93 points “Expressive and forward, offering cherry, tar, menthol and spice accents. The tannins are dense and grippy, but this finds equilibrium in the end. Sweet at the core, but needs time to fully emerge. Best from 2018 through 2032.”

Oddero Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “From light, well-draining limestone soils, the 2010 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a beautiful expression with loads of finesse and intensity. This is my favorite of the flight thanks to the great sense of varietal character. Balsam herb, ginger, medicinal herb, blue flower and spice find seamless integration. Drink: 2017-2035.”

Oddero Barolo Villero 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Silky and aromatic, boasting rose, cherry, strawberry and spice notes, this is well-structured and firm, yet beautifully balanced between fruit and woodsy flavors, revealing sweetness, tannins and a minerally aftertaste. Classic elegance from Castiglione Falletto. Best from 2017 through 2032. ”
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Sottimano Super Sale
Ends Friday at Midnight
Best Price in the USA! – Limited to Stocks on Hand

In 1975, Maggiore Sottimano founded the Azienda Agricola Sottimano winery. His son, Rino, grew the estate to include vineyards that, since 1990, have been farmed using organic methods. Rino’s son Andrea is the current winemaker. Andrea, in keeping with his father’s philosophy, takes his inspiration from Burgundy to produce terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention. The vineyards’ yields are restricted to produce structured, full bodied wines with long aging potential that are unfiltered and unfined. The wines are fermented in oak with naturally occurring yeasts. Andrea prefers to minimize the influence of new oak on the wines, aging all of his wines primarily in old, French oak.

Sottimano Wines – All Available Here Now at the Best Price in the USA!
Expect to pay anywhere from 15 – 40% higher elsewhere

Sottimano Barbaresco Cotta 2009 750ML ($59.95) $39 special Previously $49, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Playing very much true to type, the 2009 Barbaresco Cotta is the richest and roundest of these 2009s. As always, it has the most overt fruit to match its generally supple personality. Here, too the richness of the fruit goes head to head with the formidable tannins all the way through to the finish. This dark, fleshy Barbaresco should enter its sweet spot in another five years or so. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2007 750ML ($74.95) $59 special Previously $69, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Barbaresco Curra is a touch more austere and reserved than the Fausoni, but equally compelling. A wall of tannin hides a core of bright red berries, flowers, sweet herbs and licorice that will need at least several years of cellaring to fully emerge. This, too, possesses exceptional length and fabulous overall balance in a textured, captivating style for the year. With time in the glass, this positively explodes on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and structure, resulting in a fabulous wine that represents the epitome of finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2009 750ML ($79.95) $49 special Previously $69, 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Sottimano’s 2009 Barbaresco Curra is striking in this vintage. The Curra is often hard when it is young, but in 2009 the wine has a little more volume and richness, which serves to cover the tannins. Bright red berries, flowers, mint and sweet spices flesh out in this radiant, textured Barbaresco. High-toned floral notes flow through to the inviting close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” WA

Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2007 750ML ($84.95) $49 special Previously $59, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Fausoni is usually one of the lighter-weight Barbarescos here, but not in 2007. Dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and sweet baking spices come together beautifully in this ripe, sensual Barbaresco. There is a wonderful richness to the fruit that virtually covers the tannins, all while avoiding any sense of heaviness. Simply put, the Fausoni is an overachiever in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2009 750ML ($59.95) $39 special Previously $49, 21 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sweet, floral bouquet infused with a note of mint announces the 2009 Barbaresco Fausoni. This mid-weight, gracious Barbaresco is all about finesse, detail and nuance. I very much like the sense of energy here. Firm yet well-balanced tannins frame the long finish. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is about as harmonious as it gets in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”

Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore 2009 750ML ($64.95) $39 special Previously $51.90, 35 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 93 points “(from a high-altitude, limestone-rich vineyard in Treiso): Good bright red. Sexy, elegant nose offers strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and spices. Juicy and primary for the vintage, with excellent mineral and spicy cut giving precision to the middle palate. Very Treiso in character, and the highest in acidity of these 2009 Barbarescos (6 grams, vs. 5.5 for the others). Finishes energetic and long, with chewy, firm tannins and terrific lift. This really transcends the vintage. “But not the best style of wine for a blind tasting,” notes Sottimano.” ST

Sottimano Barbaresco Riserva 2005 750ML ($119.95) $69 special Previously $89, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva is a dense, powerful, fruit-driven Barbaresco that is virtually impenetrable at this stage. This old-vines selection from Cotta and Pajore remains incredibly primary and youthful. Dark fruit, smoke, leather and tar are just some of the notes that linger on the massive yet impressively round, harmonious close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.”
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Crazy Case Deals – It’s Sheer Vinsanity!

Case-12 Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio San Angelo Toscana IGT 2013 750ML ($219.95) $128 special (that’s only $10.67/bottle!) 5 cases available
Twelve 750ML bottles in their Original Wooden Case
Producer note “Pale yellow-straw in color. Fresh, fruitforward bouquet with notes of pear, peach, anise, and honey. San Angelo Pinot Grigio is an elegant wine. Lush tropical fruit aromas and flavors, balanced with crisp citrus notes, reflect its unique Tuscan character and distinguish San Angelo Pinot Grigio from its northern counterparts.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $14.39/bottle.

Case-12 Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley 2011 750ML ($219.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!) 8 cases available
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Ripe and forward with Meyer lemon, lime, green apple and honeysuckle flavors. The finish is off dry and zesty in acidity. What an easy wine to drink with Asian, Ethiopian, Indian or Mexican fare, or by itself as a cocktail sipper.” WE

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $12.96/bottle.

Case-12 Atalon Pauline’s Cuvee, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($359.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!) 16 cases available
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Merlot-based blend is a huge success. It’s a big, tannic, tight wine, packed to bursting with black cherry liqueur, cola and spice flavors. Yet it maintains an exciting balance, with the tension between acids, tannins and oak in equilibrium. Seems like it wants 5-6 years in the cellar to let it throw some tannins and mellow.” WE

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99/bottle.

Case-12 Vignobles Brunier Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 750ML ($499.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!) 2 cases available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Silky and briary, with lots of pepper, savory and tobacco notes coursing along, while a hint of shiso leaf separates them from the blackberry and black currant confiture flavors. Lovely, finely beaded acidity offsets the tarry grip. Great range and tension. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,200 cases imported.” JM

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.99/bottle.

Case-12 Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($419.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!) 7 cases available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Ruby-red. Pungent aromas of dark berry, cola and vanilla show good depth, with allspice and fresh rose notes providing lift. Supple and open-knit, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that spread out on the mid-palate. Closes smooth and subtly spicy, with velvety tannins building slowly and framing the sweet dark fruit notes.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99/bottle.

Case-12 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2011 750ML ($139.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42/bottle!) 5 cases available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright purple. Black raspberry and cassis aromas, with spicy mineral and floral elements gaining power with air. Powerful dark fruit flavors are sweetened by vanilla and cola nuances and lifted by juicy acidity. Impressively velvety wine, with very good finishing breadth and lingering spiciness. Plenty of bang for the buck here.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $8.95/bottle.
Case-12 Vina Zorzal Garnacha Vinas Viejas, Navarra 2010 750ML ($149.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42/bottle!) 4 cases available
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Open-knit and juicy, with good clarity and lift. Not the last word in complexity but extremely easy to like. Finishes with good clarity and subtle spiciness.”ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Case-12 Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada, Montilla-Moriles 2011 375ML ($999.95) $499 special (that’s only $41.58/bottle!) 5 cases available
Robert Parker 100 points “Alvear’s 2011 Pedro Ximenez de Anada is the most amazing Pedro Ximenez I have ever tasted. It may also be one of the first to be vintage-dated. The grapes were hand-harvested in September, then allowed to dry in the sunshine until they began fermentation, which is ultimately arrested by the addition of spirits. The wine spent six months in large American oak prior to being bottled. It is an amazing effort that looks like molasses. Notes of macerated figs, chocolate and caramelized tropical fruits emerge from this full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine. While sweet, it has enough acidity to balance out its richness. This astonishing 2011 Pedro Ximenez will last as long as any reader of this newsletter.” RP

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.99/bottle.

Case-3 Domenico Clerico Arte Rosso Langhe, Piedmont 2011 1.5L ($269.95) $189 special (that’s only $63/magnum!) 5 three-packs available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(90% nebbiolo and 10% barbera; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Good medium red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and spices. Intense and vibrant, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic lift. Very classy, delineated wine.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!